This page highlights research and scientific literature examining potential health impacts associated with wireless and digital infrastructure. Studies referenced here explore topics such as radio-frequency (RF) radiation exposure, biological effects, and ongoing scientific debates regarding safety standards and precautionary approaches.
The materials summarized in this section are part of the broader Research & Scientific Studies collection, which compiles peer-reviewed studies, scientific reviews, and expert commentary relevant to infrastructure and technology governance. See also: Research & Scientific Studies.
In 2019, Montgomery County stated in federal court that if 5G technology were later shown to pose health risks, prior deployment could cause irreversible harm to residents, including children. (19-70147 Montgomery County, Maryland v. FCC, p. 55.)
Montgomery County Itself Has Pointed to Potential Irreversible Health Risks of 5G
MoCo Resident Cynthia Baughman- November 19, 2019 – Council Session – Evening Public Hearing (ZTA 19-07)
The FCC’s recent big loss in court proves what residents warned all along: The Council can’t trust the FCC’s safety standards for wireless radiation to protect our families. A federal appeals court ruled that the FCC failed to show that its 25-year-old safety limits for wireless radiation are based on science. Residents have asked the Council to wait for the FCC to justify or provide a reasoned explanation based on science for its RF limits.
Nevertheless, the County Council advanced ZTA 22-01, expanding and accelerating small cell deployment in residential areas. It had passed ZTA 19-07 previously. In 2025, the Council adopted Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-11, which allows for cell towers up to 200 feet in height anywhere in the county – including in residential zones, near schools, and apartments –with no due process and no minimum setback. Rather than complying with the existing zoning code, the industry was granted a giant loophole: the ability to put cell towers anywhere in the county, and in many cases without even obtaining a building permit –bypassing decades of precedent in local zoning.
For years, Montgomery County residents have worked to educate elected officials about peer-reviewed scientific studies and questions surrounding the development and oversight of radio-frequency (RF) exposure standards. Some residents have also raised concerns about the role of industry participation in regulatory and research processes. Many community members believe a precautionary approach is warranted — particularly in residential neighborhoods and near schools and parks.
As local policy continues to evolve, residents remain engaged in advocating for transparency, science-based decision-making, and the ability to reduce exposure in their own homes and communities.
The resources below — and on our Scientific Studies page — provide background on the research and regulatory questions that have shaped this ongoing discussion.
Root Cause Protocol for Treating EHS by Dr. Magda Havas
The below 4 clips are from the Massachusetts H. 2158 Electromagnetic Sensitivity Registry Bill Hearing, May 4, 2023
Mocosafeg.org Fact Sheet
One thing the wireless industry never mentions in their advertising is that there are many health related downsides to implementing 5G, including:
- You can’t trust the FCC’s safety standards. The FCC’s recent big loss in court proves what residents warned all along: The Council can’t trust the FCC’s safety standards for wireless radiation to protect our families. A federal appeals court ruled that the FCC failed to show that its 25-year-old safety limits for wireless radiation are based on science! Residents have asked the Council to wait for the FCC to justify or provide a reasoned explanation based on science for its RF limits. The Council ignored us.
- The undue Influence of the Telecommunications and Wireless Industries on Policies & Research keeps the public in the dark about wireless radiation risks. The FCC, Telcom industry lobbyists, and industry consultants shield Telecom companies from safety concerns. Read ProPublica Article
- Evidence from hundreds of studies, including the definitive NIH National Toxicology Program Study, show that wireless radiation, from 2G, 3G and 4G –– all below 5G, causes biological and environmental effects. There is “clear evidence” of cancer from cell phone level radiation exposure. 4G/5G densification will add significantly to current levels of radiation exposure. Read more..
- Symptoms are being experienced by wireless deployments in other areas: firefighters suffered neurological damage, and injuries in Switzerland.
- 256 leading scientists and experts in Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) from 44 nations have signed an Appeal to the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) asking for greater health protection on EMF exposure as of August 2022.
- The insurance industry will not insure cell towers, antennas, poles, wires, and devices due to the health risks and damages from long term exposure.
- As of September 2022, 302,301 signatories from 203 nations and territories have signed an Appeal to the UN, WHO, Council of Europe, and governments of all nations to halt the deployment of 5G wireless networks, including 5G from space satellites.
- The insurance industry will not insure cell towers, antennas, poles, wires, and devices due to the health risks and damages from long term exposure.
